Lhasa Apsos have been given as gifts in Tibet for centuries, symbolizing good fortune. The Dalai Lama gave one to the emperor of China. If you ask us, though, every dog brings good fortune to its owners.
Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso is not what you imagine when you think of a watchdog, but that’s one of many surprising traits this unique breed holds. Known for its long, flowing coat, this breed originated from Tibet and was initially used to guard monasteries and palaces. Today, they do the same – and will guard their homes and love their families with all their hearts.
Country of Origin
Tibet
Breed Group
Non-Sporting
Height
Male 10-11 In
Female 10-11 In
Weight
Male 12-18 Ib
Female 12-18 Ib
Life Span
12-15 years
In a Nutshell
Despite their small size, Lhasa Apsos are alert, intelligent, and independent. They are known for their strong sense of hearing and protective nature and are excellent watchdogs and loyal companions. Lhasa Apsos can be affectionate and playful family pets with the proper training and socialization.
Life With a Lhasa Apso
Low (1)
High (5)
Energy level
Trainability Level
Amount of Shedding
Tendency of Barking
Exercise Needs
Kid Friendly
Pet Friendly
Looks & Personality
The Lhasa Apso stands out with its long, luxurious coat (unless the dog’s owner chooses a trendy haircut). Its coat comes in various colors, such as gold, white, black, and a mix of these shades. Its dark, almond-shaped eyes, cute beards, and whiskers give it a wise and noble look—very fitting for a dog bred by Tibetan monks. Despite their small size, they are confident because they know their capabilities.
Lhasa Apsos are independent and sometimes stubborn while being playful and affectionate. They can also be wary of strangers at first, which makes them excellent watchdogs, but early socialization training can help. They thrive on human interaction and enjoy being part of family activities.
A tip from a vet
Regularly check your dog’s thick and long coat for thorns and vegetation that might get caught and cause skin infections, especially if your dog runs around in open fields. That long coat can also hide eye and ear infections, so check these areas every few days for redness or discharge.
A tip from a trainer
Patience and consistency are essential when training dogs of this breed, which can be stubborn. Use positive reinforcement techniques and start training early. Socialization is crucial to help them become comfortable around different people and environments.
What about your Lhasa Apso?
Did You Know
The iconic art collector and socialite Peggy Guggenheim had 14 Lhasa Apso dogs. She chose to have her ashes, and theirs, rest side-by-side in her garden.
“Glee” actress Jane Lynch adopted a Lhasa Apso named Olivia from a shelter, calling her “the love of my life”.
While the average lifespan for this breed is around 15 years, the oldest recorded Lhasa Apso lived to be 29 years old.
In The News
The History Behind the Breed
The Lhasa Apso was bred by Buddhist monks in the ancient city of Lhasa in Tibet. The breed served as guard dogs in monasteries and palaces, alerting residents when intruders approached. While this is a small breed, its sense of hearing and strong protective instincts made it perfect for this role.
In the early 20th century, Lhasa Apsos were introduced to the Western world and quickly gained popularity for their unique appearance and loyal nature. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1935. At first, the organization listed it as the Lhasa Terrier, but in 1944, it changed the registration to reflect the current name. Despite their adaptation to life as companion pets, the breed still has excellent watchdog instincts and an independent spirit.
If a Lhasa Apso Could Talk…
A Quick Anatomy Lesson
Lhasa Apsos have an impressive lifespan, but irresponsible breeding can make them prone to specific hereditary health issues, particularly affecting their nervous system, blood clotting, and kidneys. They are also susceptible to specific diseases.
Common Health Problems
What about your Lhasa Apso?